ALAMEDA WEEKEND EVENTS ALAMEDA WEEKEND EVENTS  This weekend there are many fund events.  Starting in the evening of Friday, July 8th, the monthly East Bay Bike Party:  Monochromatic Ride will meet for their Bike Party starting at Lake Merritt BART station.  This month the theme is monochromatic color.  Everyone is to have their bike, themselves and their clothing match using a single color.   MAP OF THE JULY EAST BAY BIKE PARTY:  MONOCHROMATIC RIDE   Another fun event this evening is the Concerts at the Cove outdoor free summer concert series.  Tonight Foreverland, a 14 piece Michael Jackson Tribute Band, will perform.   The weather is perfect for an outdoor concert, so bring your lawn chairs, your appetite and the whole family.  Food, wine, beer and soft drinks will be for sale in a de... 07/08/2011

Wednesday night is when they have a Big Band --- yes, BIG BAND, live music, wind instruments, drums, vocals --- the whole works! This is such wonderful entertainment. Price is right: order a drink (or drinks), have a hamburger or chicken wings. Get up and dance the swing or the foxtrot. HAVE A BLAST!Had such a great time tonight at Rooster's, located at 1700 Clement in Alameda CA. It's a place that at first glance some folks may call a "dive" if they haven't been inside. But we love its local color and the various venues it offers.Here's how it is described on its website: "ROOSTERS is the premier venue in town to enjoy a variety of local and national live music. Ages 18 and up. Dedicated to giving opportunities to upcoming artists from all musical genres. Our kitchen serves up west coa... 07/06/2011

USS HORNET CELEBRATES FOURTH OF JULY USS HORNET CELEBRATES FOURTH OF JULY  The USS Hornet will be hosting a 4th of July celebration starting at 1 pm and going to 9 pm on the many decks of the historic aircraft carrier. This event is for the whole family to enjoy.  There will be carnival games, a bounce house for the kids and a live concert that runs from 2 pm to 9 pm. After the concert, guests are invited to remain on board and enjoy a view of Bay Area fireworks from the flight deck.   USS HORNET CELEBRATED FOURTH OF JULY IN ALAMEDA           In additional there will be three decks of the ship to explore, see an exhibit of the Apollo 11 Moon Mission and ride the flight simulator.  The USS Hornet was the prime recovery ship for the Apollo 11 astronauts.  Apollo Moon Mission was the succ... 07/03/2011

ALAMEDA FOURTH OF JULY PARADE ALAMEDA FOURTH OF JULY PARADE  I love a parade, especially the Alameda Fourth of July Parade.       The 36th Mayor's 4th of July Parade will feature more bands, an USS Hornet entry, drill teams and as many as 10 gorgeous equestrian entries.  This year the parade committee expects more than 50,000 parade viewers.   The Grand Marshal is former Alameda County Supervisor Alice Lai-Bitker who is a long-time Alameda resident.   A particularly important entry in the parade is the Alameda Board of Realtors, who will feature a real estate sign rider drill team and kazoo marching band.       After the parade join the Jumping & Jivin' Jubilee sponsored by the Alameda Recreation and Park Department at Rittler Park from Noon to 4pm with family fun, food, games, crafts, ... 07/01/2011

I FEEL A RANT COMING ON ABOUT A NOT VERY PROTECTED CLASS OF PEOPLE I FEEL A RANT COMING ON ABOUT A NOT VERY PROTECTED CLASS OF PEOPLE  I'm talking about pedestrians and I am here to defend them, because I am a member of that class.   My office is in a business district and fortunately we get a lot of pedestrian traffic going.  There is also a cross-walk right in front of the office.  Our business district is about 5 blocks long, consequently lots of people walk there.  We have a new, large parking garage nearby, so parking is not a problem.  There are many good restaurants, coffee shops, sandwich shops, and interesting store in the district.   Park Street at Central Avenue     Ordinarily, Alamedans are a polite and friendly group of people.  But sometimes they are in a hurry and that's... 06/30/2011

I don't know if you'll be able to tell from this picture, except that the ground is very wet, but it is raining quite hard in Alameda, California today. Also, I think someone has recently spilled soap of some kind, because there are bubbles all over the ground. This rain is very strange for the END of June! I took this picture from inside the office, where it is cold. Did I mention this is the end of June?!  06/28/2011

ALAMEDA COMMUNITY EVENTS ALAMEDA COMMUNITY EVENTS  June 25 promises to be a day full of fun events in Alameda.   On July 25th the Alameda Rotary Club will sponsor the Great Alameda Race at Rockwall Winery at Alameda Point starting at 2PM.  This Alameda Community Events will help the Alameda Rotary Club's Community Grants Program, the World Community Services Project and the Polio Plus Program.  The Eradicate Polio Worldwide program, in which Rotary International is an important contributor in the effort to eradicate polio throughout the World During the last 10 years the Alameda Rotary Club has donated over $250,000 to many Alameda Community groups which have helped the youth programs, Senior programs and those who have special needs.     Another Alameda Community Events on July 25, is ... 06/24/2011

  ALAMEDA STARLIGHT MOVIE IN THE PARK ALAMEDA STARLIGHT MOVIE IN THE PARK Today, June 24, 2011, is the day for the first Alameda Starlight Movie in the Park flick. The Alameda Recreation and Park Department sponsors the Alameda Starlight Movie in the Park at Alameda Point Multi-Purpose Field, 1101 West Redline Avenue in Alameda.   The first movie of this summer's Alameda Starlight Movie in the Park series is Despicable Me.  The field opens at 6:30 pm for picnics.  Please do not  bring barbecue grills, alcoholic beverages or pets.  Pre-show festivities will begin at 7:30 pm and the feature movie will be shown around 8:15 pm.        Alameda Starlight Movie in the Park suggests you bring your picnic basket, blankets, chairs and warm clothing.  Call Alameda Recreation and Park Department at... 06/23/2011

Buyers are shying away from a townhouse development where they saw some units that still have popcorn ceilings. The buyers said even the realtors didn't seem confident about their own listings. Talked to the husband and asked why they wouldn't even think of buying a townhouse in this area that is so well located, has great amenities, and are served by really good schools. He said his wife was concerned, and her objection was "But the popcorn ceilings have asbestos!" Click on the pictures to see more images of popcorn ceilings      ATTENTION, SELLERS! Remember that perception is reality. Don't be surprised at things that seriously discourage buyers from writing an offer if they perceive a problem to be even bigger than what it is. If there are some issues about your property that could t... 06/22/2011

ALAMEDA WALKS - BAY FARM ISLAND THE UPLANDS   ALAMEDA WALKS - BAY FARM ISLAND THE UPLANDS  Alameda Walks - Bay Farm Island The Uplands took place on Saturday, June 18th. it was a beautiful day for a discovery walk.  Our leaders Dennis Evanosky and Eric Kos were ready to open our eye to a new way of looking at the history of an area Alamedans have ignored.  Dennis and Eric walked us through a section of Alameda's Bay Farm Island once called the "Uplands".   Dennis Evanosky and Eric Kos   Alameda Walks - Bay Farm Island The Uplands  Bay Farm Island was mostly marsh and tideland's.  However, the Uplands was not marshland and was at a slightly higher elevation than the surrounding marsh.  It was a place where the Oholone Native Americans came to hunt.  The Uplands was about 230 acres is siz... 06/20/2011

ALAMEDA PARKS - KRUSI PARK ALAMEDA PARKS - KRUSI PARK  The land that Krusi Park is found now was once a marshland on the Bay.  The Krusi family gave the land to the city of Alameda in the 1937.  It opened during the Second World War but wasn't completed until the late 1950's.  The city named the park land in honor of the Krusi family in 1938.     Ida and Hermann Krusi were local philanthropists and were champions of a park in the vicinity of the south shoreline area.  They made a large donation to the city of Alameda to an unemployment relief fund during the depression.  Mrs. Krusi belonged to a pioneering Alameda family, the Clawiters.  Hermann Krusi was a expert in dredging and harbor construction.  He oversaw the excavation which turned the Alameda peninsula into an island.     In 19... 06/18/2011

ALAMEDA STARLIGHT MOVIE IN THE PARK   ALAMEDA STARLIGHT MOVIE IN THE PARK  The Alameda Recreation and Park Department  will hold the Alameda Starlight Movie in the Parkon Friday, June 24 at Alameda Point Multi-Purpose Field, 1101 West Redline Avenue in Alameda.   Alameda Starlight Movie in the Park  First movie of the summer series is  Despicable Me.  The field is open at 6:30 pm for picnics.  Pre-show festivities will begin at 7:30 pm and the feature movie will be shown at approximately 8:15 pm.  Bring blankets and chairs and warm clothes for outdoor movie.   Alameda Starlight Movie in the Park also offers $5.00 dinners which you can pre-order.  Call Alameda Recreaiton and Park Department at 510-747-7529 or place your order with a credit card no later than one week before the show.  Me... 06/17/2011

ALAMEDA WALKS - BAY FARM ISLAND ALAMEDA WALKS - BAY FARM ISLAND  The Alameda Recreation and Parks Department sponsors ALAMEDA WALKS a program started in 2003.  According to Patrick Russi, Recreation Supervisor, the goal was to get people out of their homes on Saturday mornings for a little exercise and a chance to learn a little about the city of Alameda.     Alameda Walks - Bay Farm Island is the second in a series of Alameda Architectural Walks.  The Alameda Walks - Bay Farm island group will meet at Godfrey Park, 271 Beach Road at 9 am.  The walks' focus is to discover the "old uplands" of Bay Farm Island.  Dennis Evanosky and Eric Kos of the Alameda Sun will guide the tour.         Alameda Walks - Bay Farm Island promises to be a very lively walk.  Evanosky and Kos have a vast knowl... 06/16/2011

ALAMEDA RESTAURANTS IN THE ALAMEDA THEATRE DISTRICT ALAMEDA RESTAURANTS IN THE ALAMEDA THEATRE DISTRICT  Alameda Historic Theatre was refurbished and at the same time the City approved the addition of a theatre Complex, parking structure, wine bar and restaurant.  The renovation of the Theatre was a powerful force for revitalization in Park Street district.  The activity and location attracted several fine restaurants.                                                                                                                                                                                                                Angelas is a charming restaurant in the heart of the Park Street District in Alameda.  It is down the street from the Historic Alameda Theatre at the corner of Oak Str... 06/14/2011

LET'S MOVE!  ALAMEDA LET'S MOVE!  ALAMEDA  Alameda Hospital in conjunction with the Alameda Recreation and Parks Department, Alameda Hospital Foundation, Boys & Girls Club, Girls Inc., Alameda Unified School District, 100 Best Communities, Alameda Collaborative and Alameda County Health Department presents the Let's Move! Alameda program.     "The primary purpose of the "Let's Move Alameda" task force is to work collaboratively with community to develop initiatives that will reduce and prevent obesity and encourage healthy nutrition and physical activity among all children and youth in the City of Alameda," according to the event sponsors.      Let's Move! Alameda's goal is for each kid to have 60 minutes of activity, 5 days a week, 6 weeks during the summer and to earn PRIZES along the... 06/11/2011

One of the joys of living in a small island town of Alameda CA is that every summer, we look forward to the outdoor concerts at Crab Cove by Crown Memorial State Beach. It's a scene that plays out like a local Alameda Chamber of Commerce advertisement. Happy people everywhere. Some people pack their picnic baskets and lounge chairs. Many bring their kids and their pets. The local BikeAlameda.org group offers free bike valet parking. Local businesses set up kiosks where people can buy food. In an enclosed area, people can buy beer and wine from the local producers. Some folks play soccer, others fly kites, others wade in the water.     And on the stage ---- ahhhh...the fabulous diversity of entertainment. From good old rock and roll, to salsa, to country, to rhythm and blues. Courtesy of... 06/10/2011

It bears repeating....this June 4, 2011 article from Wall Street Journal gives hope to buyers who want to grab that brass ring of home ownership, and to sellers who are anxious about whether or not they should sell now or later. June 4 2011, Wall Street Journal article: Why It's Time to Buy Excerpts "Despite all the gloom....there are growing indications that it's a good time to buy. Mortgage rates, which fell to 4.55% for the week ending June 2, according to Freddie Mac, are near 50-year lows. Homes have become more affordable than they have been in years. According to Moody's Analytics, the ratio of home prices to income is now 20.9% lower than the 15-year average through 2010, and 12.5% lower than the 1989-2004 average. A historic glut of homes, meanwhile, has created a buyer's marke... 06/10/2011

ALAMEDA WALKS - THE GOLD COAST   ALAMEDA WALKS - THE GOLD COAST  The Alameda Recreation and Parks Department sponsors ALAMEDA WALKS a program started in 2003.  According to Patrick Russi, Recreation Supervisor, the goal was to get people out of their homes on Saturday mornings for a little exercise and a chance to learn a little about the city of Alameda.       Patrick's previous walks have included St. Josephs/Notre Dame and surrounding areas, Jackson Park and the Cohen Estate, Lincoln Park and East Bay Regional Park District Tidewater Aquatic Center and the Farmer's Market and the Sand Castle Contest at Crown Beach.       On June 11, at 9a.m., Patrick will lead the Alameda Walks - The Gold Coast group through the area of Alameda called the Gold Coast.  The first stop is Franklin Park,... 06/10/2011

Alameda CA is where locals have always thought the city is "holding its own" in terms of real estate market values. However, even Alameda is not exempt from the ravages of the economy. But how badly is this market hurting? First, let me begin with a link to an article published in Wall Street Journal on June 4, 2011  titled "Why it's time to buy" As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words. People can interpret what they see their own way, just as they do with what they read. As an optimist -- most of the time anyway --- I look at the market with rose-colored glasses and ever hopeful eyes. Here are charts that tell the story of Alameda's detached single story homes real estate trends. SOLD PROPERTIES same period 2008-2011 The slow periods are about the same during the first quarter... 06/09/2011

Alameda CA island has some fabulous condos, but one of my favorites is The Willows on 2101 Shoreline Drive. Built in 1974, the 201-unit complex is quite a desirable address. It's definitely worth checking out the units as they become available. For empty nesters or people who want to simplify their lifestyle, perhaps condo living is a viable option. Imagine waking up one morning, feeling like you'd like to take a walk on the beach, and all you have to do is cross the street!   Consider this: It's directly across the beach. Several units have fabulous views of San Francisco   It offers many ameneties. Landscaped courtyard  large heated pool spa clubhouse with party and game rooms two gyms on-site maintenance and management staff secure access reserved garage parking elevators large lobby... 06/09/2011